UV Safety Awareness Month: Tips to protect your skin and health

During the summer months, sun exposure increases—but not just at the beach or the pool. July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about something most of us know we should care about but don’t always act on. When the weather finally gets warm, we’re outside more, soaking up the sun, and increasing our exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A little sunshine can feel great, but too much can take a toll on your skin and overall health over time. With a few simple shifts in your routine, protecting yourself can become second nature.

It’s easy to underestimate just how much sun exposure adds up throughout the day, whether you’re running errands or spending time outside, without thinking twice about it. Over time, consistent exposure can quietly contribute to long-term damage, making everyday protection essential.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, too much exposure to UV rays can cause a number of health problems, including:

• Dehydration
• Premature aging and wrinkles
• Cataracts and other eye damage
• Immune system suppression
• Skin cancer

UV safety

Luckily, there are multiple ways we can keep ourselves safe when we’re out and about in the summer months—and even year-round.

The American Cancer Society recommends these tips:

• Use sunscreen
  
  Sunscreen helps block UV rays and should be a consistent part of your routine, not just in the summer but all year long. For it to be effective, it needs to be reapplied at least every two hours, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors. Make sure you cover all exposed skin, including easy-to-miss areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet. For everyday use, choose a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 30, and don’t forget your lips—an SPF lip balm can help protect them from UV damage, too.
  
  
• Wear sunglasses
  
  Research shows that spending extended amounts of time outside without eye protection increases your chance of developing certain eye problems, such as cataracts and eye cancer. When you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses, you’ll want to check the label to make sure they provide UV protection. The best sunglasses block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays and will be labeled “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV requirements.” Labels that say “cosmetic” only block out about 70% of UV rays. Keep in mind that darker sunglasses aren’t necessarily better because the UV protection comes from an invisible chemical that’s either built into or applied to the lenses.
  
  
• Choose a wide-brimmed hat
  
  Any hat is better than no hat for protecting your head from the sun, but a hat with a 2- to 3-inch brim is your best bet for sun protection. The brim helps limit UV exposure to areas of the face that are usually exposed to intense sun, such as the nose, forehead, eyes, ears, and scalp. A dark, non-reflective underside can also prevent UV rays from reaching the face after reflecting off certain surfaces, like the water. Shade caps are also a good option and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.
  
  
• Avoid tanning beds
  
  Tanning beds give off UVA and UVB rays that can cause long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer. Studies have shown that using tanning beds leads to an increased risk of melanoma, especially if you were under 30 when you started using them. To keep yourself safe, it’s best to completely avoid tanning beds and go for a spray tan if you want that freshly sun-kissed look.
  
  
• Stay in the shade
  
  Limiting your sun exposure is an easy way to protect yourself from UV radiation. When you spend time outside, especially at midday, try to seek shade under a tree, canopy, or umbrella. If need be, you can bring your own portable sunshade with you, which is especially helpful at the beach.

At the end of the day, UV protection doesn’t have to be complicated; it just has to be consistent. Small, everyday choices like applying sunscreen, grabbing your sunglasses, or seeking out a bit of shade can add up in a big way over time. By being a little more intentional about how you spend time in the sun, you’re protecting your skin in the moment and investing in your long-term health.

If you’re out and about in the Boston area this summer, you can beat dehydration by visiting one of our hydration stations at Somerville’s Assembly Row, Boston’s Seaport Common, or Polar Park in Worcester.